Start slowly rather than assuming that more repetitions will produce faster recovery.
When Heel Pain May Not Be Plantar Fasciitis
This is important because not every painful heel is plantar fasciitis.
Heel pain can also be associated with Achilles tendon problems, bursitis, fractures, and other conditions.
Plantar fasciitis is more typical when pain occurs around the bottom of the heel or arch, is especially noticeable during the first steps after rest, and may improve somewhat after you begin moving.
Seek medical advice if the pain is severe, keeps returning, is getting worse, causes numbness or tingling, or isn’t improving with self-care. The NHS advises seeing a clinician if plantar-fasciitis symptoms have not improved after about 2 weeks of self-treatment.
Sudden severe heel pain following an injury — particularly with swelling, difficulty walking, or a popping/snapping sensation — also deserves prompt medical assessment because causes such as a fracture or Achilles tendon rupture need to be considered.
The Bottom Line
Plantar fasciitis can make your first steps in the morning surprisingly painful, but many cases can improve with conservative care.
Gentle plantar fascia and calf stretching, progressive strengthening, supportive footwear, and temporarily reducing activities that aggravate the heel arecommon approaches.
Recovery usually
